Diageo's Geraldine Joanes recognised for HR leadership

Diageo Australia and New Zealand Human Resources (HR) Director, Geraldine Joanes, is recognised on the Human Resources Director (HRD) Australia’s Hot List 2022.

The award celebrates her leadership and contribution to industry best practice, which have shaped the HR policies at Diageo Australia.

Over 100 HR professionals from across Australia were identified, with 40 key figures selected at the end of the research process for their leadership, innovation, and industry contributions. The list of 100 professionals was split 75% female and 25% male.

An internationally focused career

Geraldine Joanes’ career with Diageo spans 18 years and has seen her work across multiple international markets, including Europe, the UK, Middle East and China.

Originally from London, Geraldine relocated to Australia in 2016, taking up the role of HR Business Partner supporting the company’s commercial and marketing functions. She then became the head of HR for supply and corporate services before being appointed HR Director at Diageo Australia in 2018.

In her current role, Geraldine sits on the Diageo Australia executive team, reporting to the Managing Director, and leading the people and culture strategies and policies to unlock the full potential of the company’s high-performing HR policies.

Award-winning HR policies

In October 2021, the HRD Australia team conducted independent research on the Australian HR sector to find the most influential leaders who had contributed significantly to the industry over the previous 12 months. The team aimed to identify individuals who had led new initiatives in the HR space and advanced the standing of HR within their respective organisations.

During Geraldine's tenure with Diageo Australia, the company has launched leading HR policies, including eligibility for 26 weeks of paid family leave for every employee regardless of carer status, gender or tenure. The company also has a progressive flexible working philosophy that provides the framework for employees and their managers to focus on delivering outcomes rather than when, where and how work is done.

Innovative leadership

HRD Magazine, which runs the Australia's Hot List 2022 award, is an industry standard magazine that supports both the business and best practice functional requirements placed on Human Resource Directors in their evolving roles.

"The past 12 months have been as disruptive as they have been innovative, with HR leaders taking front and centre stage in the fight against COVID-19," remarks Emily Davidson, Global Managing Editor for all HRD titles. "Practitioners across Australia were faced with a myriad of challenges - from navigating overnight digitization to maintaining culture in remote work and safeguarding employee mental wellbeing. And while it’s been undeniably difficult, it’s also definitely proved just how important HR is to organisational strategy."